[1]One day after Best Buy announced that it was moving its sponsorship[2] from Richard Petty Motorsports’ No. 43 Ford to Roush Fenway Racing and drivers Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth, Penske Racing has announced that driver of the No. 43 AJ Allmendinger will take over driving duties of the No. 22 Shell Pennzoil Dodge in 2012. Allmendinger replaces Kurt Busch, who left the team[3] after a series of high profile meltdowns last season.

Allmendinger said:

I am really excited about the opportunity to join Penske Racing and drive the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge in 2012. I have always admired Roger Penske and the way his teams compete and win in every series where they race. It is a privilege for me to represent such iconic and respected brands as Shell and Pennzoil, AAA and Dodge. I am honored to join Penske Racing and I will do my very best to continue to build on the standard of excellence established across the organization.

Team owner Roger Penske said:

AJ is a very talented and motivated driver and we believe he will be a terrific fit with our team. He has shown great promise and consistent results on the track over the last few seasons and working with Todd and the Shell-Pennzoil Dodge team will allow him to take the next step and compete for race wins and a spot in the Chase in 2012.

No word on who will replace Allmendinger in the No. 43, but rumor has it that David Ragan is being considered. Kurt Busch was also said to be in the running for that seat[4] before Best Buy left to join RFR.